Glossary

Lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolytes instead of electrolyte solutions (electrolyte solutions are flammable and have safety issues). Solid-state batteries are safer, and facilitate downsizing, capacity expansion, and faster charging. There are great expectations for all-solid-state batteries as the next-generation of lithium-ion batteries, and battery manufacturers are stepping up R&D in this area.

An unmanned transport vehicle or unmanned transport machine. AGV is a new means of transportation that allows unmanned transport operations.

Batteries used for starting hybrid electric vehicle systems, power backup for onboard electrical devices, such as car navigation systems, etc.

Batteries used to store electricity for use in the event of power outages, disasters, etc.

Batteries supplied by GS Yuasa to automakers for installation in new automobiles.

Vehicles that run solely on electricity without gasoline. BEVs run on electricity charged in the battery to power the motor.

Battery modules consist of multiple cells connected together and fixed in place within a single structural frame. Battery modules are often equipped with storage battery management devices to improve safety.

Established in April 2009 as a joint venture between GS Yuasa and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Blue Energy manufactures and sells lithium-ion batteries designed for use in hybrid electric vehicles.

Cells are the smallest unit of a battery. They consist of a positive electrode (cathode), a negative electrode (anode), and a separator. Each individual cell can be charged and discharged.

The performance of a battery in starting an engine by outputting a large amount of current in a short period of time. Also known as cold cranking amperes (CCA).

Vehicles that run on motors powered by batteries that are charged using external electric power sources such as charging stations and household electricity supplies. High energy density is required for electric vehicle batteries as electric vehicles run solely on charged power.

Used for emergency backup in case of power outages, disasters, and others in data centers and telecommunication base stations and other facilities.

Batteries that comply with European Norms (EN). EN batteries are lower in height than normal lead-acid batteries, which facilitates the lowering of vehicle bonnet/hood heights and improves vehicle safety. EN batteries generally have specifications suitable for Europe’s colder regions, and using them without alteration in Japan can present high levels of risk. Accordingly, the batteries’ structural design must be optimized for use in Japan. In response to requests from automakers, GS Yuasa develops and supplies EN batteries better suited to Japan’s climactic conditions.
For further details: https://gyb.gs-yuasa.com/products/car/eco-r-enj/ (in Japanese)

The amount of energy that can be generated by a battery per unit mass or per unit volume of the battery. The units for energy density are Wh/kg and Wh/L.

A system for optimizing energy operation by visualizing energy usage and controlling the operation of lighting, air conditioning, and equipment.

Energy storage systems combine storage batteries (secondary batteries) with power conditioners and are connected to the power grid. The systems store or release power depending on circumstances.

A contract format whereby engineering, procurement, and construction are contracted out as a project.

Schemes introduced to popularize the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power. Feed-in tariff schemes are based on guarantees that electric power companies will purchase electricity generated from renewable energy sources at fixed prices for certain period of times.

Vehicles that run on motors powered by electricity generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Refueling at hydrogen stations is required.

Electric power grid.

Vehicles equipped with both gasoline-powered engines and electricity-powered motors. Hybrid electric vehicle batteries require high levels of input and output performance owing to the need for frequent power input and output, such as during regenerative charging when decelerating and discharging when accelerating.

Vehicles with engines that run on fuels such as gasoline engine, diesel engine, etc.

Lead-based batteries used for starting vehicle engines, backup electric power, etc. Lead-acid batteries account for approximately 80% of GS Yuasa’s net sales.

Consortium for Lithium Ion Battery Technology and Evaluation Center. It brings together companies involved in lithium-ion battery materials in Japan, and promotes projects commissioned by NEDO projects as well as independent projects for lithium-ion battery material evaluation.

Established in December 2007 as a joint venture between GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Former Lithium Energy Japan had manufactured and sells lithium-ion batteries designed for use in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles, and manufactures lithium-ion batteries for regular field (for ESS). We liquidated and dissolved Lithium Energy Japan in March 2024 and its business has been continued in GS Yuasa since FY2024.

Batteries in which charging and discharging occurs when lithium ions move between the positive and negative electrodes.

A type of iron phosphate-based lithium-ion battery. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have positive electrodes made from lithium iron phosphate.

A battery in which the positive electrode of the current lithium-ion battery is replaced by sulfur. It is low cost, light weight, and high capacity.

National Research and Development Agency New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. An R&D management organization that plays a part in Japan's energy and environmental sectors and industrial technologies.

A type of nickel-based lithium-ion battery. Nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide batteries have positive electrodes made from a compound of nickel, cobalt, aluminum, etc.

A type of lithium-ion battery called ternary lithium batteries. Nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide batteries have positive electrodes made from a compound of nickel, manganese, cobalt, etc.

Reduction of electricity usage at times of peak electricity demand by supplying electricity from storage batteries.

Shifting the times when electricity is used away from times of peak electricity demand by supplying electricity from storage batteries.

Hybrid electric vehicles that can also be charged using external power sources. Batteries for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles require high energy density to enable long driving ranges.

Residential solar power generation facilities for which the period (from the time of installation) for eligibility for the feed-in tariff (FIT) system has expired.

Systems that convert DC power generated by solar cells, etc. into AC power suitable for use in homes, office buildings, etc.

Power purchase agreements are electricity sales contracts concluded between generators of electricity and consumers.

Batteries used as a backup power source for autonomous driving systems, etc.

Used for continuous charging and discharging in renewable energy, energy management, and the like.

Lead-acid batteries used to replace existing batteries during vehicle inspections or to replace spent batteries. GS Yuasa delivers replacement batteries to distributors, auto parts/supplies retailers, auto dealerships, oil wholesalers, etc. Vehicle batteries generally need to be replaced after three to five years. Demand for replacement batteries tends to be seasonal in Japan, with the strongest demand in late autumn to early winter.

A general term for batteries used in specialized applications such as spacecraft (satellites, rockets, etc.), aircraft, and submarines.

Batteries used to start engines in gasoline-powered vehicles, etc.

Vehicles that automatically shut down their engines when stopping at traffic lights, etc., then automatically restart their engines when the brake pedal is released. When the engine is shut down the vehicle’s battery continues to power the air conditioning, navigation system, etc. As start & stop vehicle engines are frequently shut down and restarted (discharging a large current each time), the batteries of such vehicles need to be highly durable.
For further details: https://gyb.gs-yuasa.com/knowledge/car-eco/#sec_01 (in Japanese)

Storage batteries installed in homes, buildings, commercial facilities, factories, etc., or connected to the power grid for the purpose of mitigating output fluctuations of renewable energy.

Name of the solid electrolyte material used in all-solid-state batteries. It is characterized by a higher ionic conductivity than oxide-based materials and is considered a leading material for automotive all-solid-state batteries.

Batteries used to power motors in electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, etc.

Uninterruptible power supplies are devices used to supply electricity when electricity is interrupted due to power outages, etc. Uninterruptible power supplies consist of storage batteries and power converters.

Systems that use IoT devices to remotely control geographically dispersed energy sources, such as small-scale solar power generation facilities and storage batteries, and make them function like single power plants.

12V lithium-ion batteries boast high cranking performance and provide an alternative to lead-acid starter batteries. Demand is expected to increase for this type of battery as backup batteries for autonomous vehicles and as an alternative to the lead-acid auxiliary batteries installed in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles.